David Hasselhoff Pays Tribute to Late Co-Star, Reveals Michael Newman “Saved My Life at Least 4 Times” While Filming Baywatch

Michael Newman, known for his role in Baywatch, tragically passed away on October 20, 2024, due to heart complications. The news, confirming the loss of the 68-year-old actor, was announced on October 22, 2024, by Matt Felker, who helmed the recent Hulu docuseries centered on Baywatch.

David Hasselhoff, Newman’s co-star from the iconic American action drama series, honored his late friend with a heartfelt tribute on Instagram on October 23, 2024. In his post, Hasselhoff expressed:

“Newman was a warrior….he literally saved my life at least four times. He executed the transfer from the scarab to jet skis multiple times flawlessly. What an incredible man.”

In a nostalgic post featuring a photo of the two during their Baywatch days, Hasselhoff recalled Michael’s fearlessness in the water and praised his acting talent, highlighting the times he directed Newman. Concluding his tribute, he emphasized that Michael “grew into a fantastic actor”and that his presence would be sorely missed.

“All Mike wanted was to help find a cure”— Matthew Felker honors Michael Newman

Another tribute came from Matthew Felker, who also shared a video montage celebrating Michael Newman’s life on Instagram on October 23, 2024. The compilation included a link urging viewers to donate to “The Michael J. Fox Foundation,”dedicated to advancing research toward a Parkinson’s cure and better treatment options.

In his touching tribute, Felker remarked:

“Mike would have loved this. I aimed to make the entire series a tribute to him. His main goal was to help find a cure. It became his passion in later years. He will always be remembered as a hero helping others.”

Newman was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2006 at the age of 50. In an interview with PEOPLE on August 28, 2024, he shared his experience living with the condition, highlighting how it afforded him unexpected moments of reflection and insight. He reflected on how the gradual changes in his body often went unnoticed, underscoring that Parkinson’s had come to shape much of his existence.

Regarding his diagnosis, Newman stated:

“Life is short. It’s something I didn’t take time to contemplate before learning I had Parkinson’s.”

He also discussed Matt Felker’s docuseries, After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun, which features personal narratives from fellow cast members. Expressing gratitude, Michael Newman conveyed his hope that Felker’s documentary “illuminates the heroism inherent in the lifeguarding profession”and fosters greater respect for the global community of individuals who bravely risk their lives daily to save others.

In concluding his interview, Newman expressed his desire for his own story to “raise awareness about the vital need for a Parkinson’s cure.”

Michael Newman is survived by his wife Sarah and their two children, daughter Emily and son Chris. He was also a proud grandfather to one-year-old Charlie. According to the NY Post, while starring in Baywatch, Michael served as a full-time firefighter and returned to his firefighting career following the show’s conclusion in 2001.

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